I have done The Thrill as always as first one. Regarding 50m gold streak I did not find it very easy and since I have Crusader as main and I have all items for another sets, complete GR55 with another sets was pretty easy on first try.

Then I rolled barb, transfer few of the items mostly rings and amulet and earthquake set was done also on the first try. I had small problems with HOTA build, but it took 2 hours of farming and then I have done it also. If you create second character with same primary attribute, you will use most of the items for start and then paragon helps a lot.

I think that they will show us video or something blog etc about ladders which will come in next big patch for ROS in about 2 months. Until then they will give time to get familiar with game etc so everyone will be ready for ladders.

Release ladders with xpack will be very bad move, release few months after give them first major update which is very clever imho